Why President is Tinubu Building Serious Claim to Greatness

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu is crafting a legacy of leadership by weaving together strength and stability. Throughout Africa’s history, exceptional leaders like Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Muhammed and Abdulsalami Abubakar have navigated national crises with skill, and Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s peaceful acceptance of defeat in 2015 has demonstrated democratic maturity. Yet, Tinubu’s distinction lies in his ability to unite these attributes and make them last through democratic renewal and economic recalibration.

Tinubu’s democratic record is compelling. As a senator during Nigeria’s Third Republic, he championed the National Democratic Coalition following the annulment of the 1993 election. He later formed the political coalition that became the All Progressives Congress, securing Nigeria’s first transfer of power from a governing party to an opposition party.

His 2023 election, though controversial, was upheld by the Supreme Court, further bolstering his democratic credentials. His commitment to democracy was evident in the 2026 Osun election, where he encouraged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold fairness and protected voters and officials before congratulating the opposition.

In Rivers State, where political paralysis threatened public order, Tinubu supported emergency rule, an intervention that faced constitutional objections but underscored his dedication to competitive politics.

Economically, Tinubu’s reforms have been transformative. In 2022, petrol subsidies consumed 2.2 percent of GDP and 32 percent of government revenue, while the federal debt-service exceeded retained revenue. Recognizing the need for change, Tinubu dismantled the petrol-subsidy regime and tightened monetary policy, channeling oil and gas revenue into the Federation Account and subjecting operating charges to legislative appropriation.

These actions, part of a larger pattern of bold but difficult recalibration, aim to improve transparency, raise revenue and restore disciplined resource management. While early economic successes show promise—real GDP grew from 3.38 percent in 2024 to 4.43 percent in Q2 2026—the focus remains on turning stability into opportunity by generating productive capital and creating decent jobs.

Despite economic strides, Tinubu’s administration faces significant social challenges. The Ministry of Finance estimates that 63 percent of Nigerians live in poverty, and food insecurity affects 27 million people. The administration’s efforts to increase the minimum wage and exempt minimum-wage earners from income tax, along with the establishment of an interest-free student-finance system, represent steps towards improving livelihoods.

However, more needs to be done to ensure that economic stability translates into higher real incomes, dependable services, and broader opportunities for all citizens. Tinubu’s leadership continues to shape Nigeria’s trajectory, balancing the complexities of political, economic and social reform.